FVHS -- Baron Banner Online

AP Art History students visit Getty center 3/20/08
On Thursday, March 20, thirty AP Art History students took a two-hour bus ride to the Getty Center museum in Los Angeles.

Ray Bray commemorated as part of eagle project 2/29/08
Junior Greg Andreason, a swimmer at FVHS, dedicated a plaque to Ray Bray last Saturday, February 23, 2008, in honor of the former aquatic coach. The plaque was Andreason’s Boy Scout eagle project, which took over a year to complete.

FVHS students meet author Greg Mortenson 2/25/08
On February 21, 2008, English teacher Christine Baron's sophomore class met Greg Mortenson, author of the bestseller Three Cups of Tea.

Blackout highlights safety hazards 2/19/08
On Thursday, February 14, a power outage caused a temporary blackout during sixth period. The outage was not caused by the ongoing construction but by a local traffic accident.

Get your chopsticks ready 2/16/08
Looking for tasty alternative to your average school lunch? The cafeteria is now selling Pick Up Stix at lunch every Monday and Wednesday.

Data Match comes to FVHS 2/16/08
This past week, senior commission passed out Data Match personality surveys. Participating students will be matched with others in their grade level for one dollar, and with others in all grade levels for two.

Presidential primaries 2/15/08
A look at the presidential primaries, party by party and candidate by candidate.

Writers strike ends 2/15/08
After three months of continuous discussion and debate, the writers and producers have established an agreement.

Credits for college 2/9/08
Through the “Credits for College Program”, high school students can start earning college credits long before they graduate.

February construction update 2/8/08
As second semester starts, teachers have started moving back into the 200 buildings and out of the portables, allowing the math, business, foods and the consumer and family studies classes to move to the Chauteau Baron.

A big problem with bigger perspectives 2/8/08
Due to class leveling, many students receive random schedule changes and also request new schedules. These schedule changes are a problem that affects both the students and the guidance specialists.

China unveils The Water Cube 2/8/08
On Thursday, January 31, China unveiled their multi-million-dollar National Aquatic Stadium, nicknamed “The Water Cube.” The center will be the venue for which will stage the swimming events of the 2008 summer Olympics.

Identity of Mona LIsa revealed 2/8/08
Her name was Lisa del Giocondo. She was the wife of a Florentine man by the name Francesco del Giocondo. This information was uncovered in a notebook that belonged to a friend of the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci.

American Heart Association club hosts Hoops for Heart tournament 2/4/08
On Saturday, February 2, The FVHS American Heart Association club hosted its third Hoops for Heart tournament this year.

Candidates prepare for Super Tuesday 2/4/08
Super Tuesday is perhaps the most important Tuesday, besides Election Day, for presidential hopefuls.

Changes in administration 1/8/08
Since the beginning of the year, Administration was missing an important member of their team. Mr. Bryan recently came back after recovering from a six-way bypass heart surgery.

Storms hit Orange County 1/5/08
Strong, loud, and destructive are only a few words to describe the monstrous storm that hit Orange County starting on January 4.

Striking down breast cancer 12/17/07
On Saturday, December 15, Fountain Bowl opened its doors for the first Bowl for the Cure fundraiser.hosted by the FVHS Bowling Club and Pink Ribbon Club.

December construction update: girls' locker room reopens 12/7/07
The girls’ locker room finally opened after students returned from Thanksgiving break.

South Korean elections 12/7/07
The United States is not alone when it comes to presidential elections. South Korea is also preparing for a presidential election.

Edison funeral march cancellation: the real story 11/30/07
On Friday, November 3, hundreds of FVHS students fled from their classes with one thought in mind: the Edison funeral march. The resulting crowd only made it through the English hall before it was stopped.

"Sistine Chapel" of FVHS faces possible demolition 11/20/07
Amidst the blank gray walls of the rest of the school, the art hall has stood out with its brightly colored murals and attractive illustrations for the past eight years. However, due to construction, the precious "Sistine Chapel" of Fountain Valley High School risks demolition.

"Order in the court" 11/15/07
About once a month, a line of students crowd around the choir room, but not to sing. A new session of Peer Court is about to begin.

Barracaded office: the story from behind administrative walls 11/15/07
In the beginning of the school year, a number of students believed that the administration office was not doing their job. However, the administration has its own story.

School shootings 11/15/07
It's around 12:35 p.m. Billy and Jane are walking through the hall talking about their fun three-day weekend. They turn the corner and hear the sound of a gun firing – an echoing crack-crack.

AP art visits Getty Villa Museum 11/9/07
On Thursday, November 8, AP art history students went to the Getty Villa museum with Ms. Jezak, Mr. Walters, and Ms. Olaya.

FVHS hosts blood drive 11/1/07
October 25, the FVHS Red Cross Club held its first blood drive of the school year in the renovated gym.

Mole Day 10/27/07
Chemisty students "rock and mole" to commemorate an important chemistry constant, Avogadro's number: 6.022 x 10^23.

Overcrowding at FVHS 10/26/07
There are always a few problems at the beginning of every school year, but it seemed this year started out with more than just a few. Students complained about many problems such as class sizes, locker availability, and overcrowded lunch lines.

Rock for Darfur 10/26/07
Some nations refer to the killings in Darfur as "the world's greatest humanitarian crisis," and some say it is genocide. But no matter what they call it, violence and conflict are still taking place after four years..

Gym floor suffers rainwater damage 10/26/07
The wooden floor of the newly rennovated gym is warped by leaked rainwater, putting a temporary strain on athletes.

October construction update 10/24/07
Read the latest updates on the ongoing construction at FVHS.

Students denied entry into homecoming assembly 10/24/07
While the majority of the school attended the homecoming assembly, more than 150 unhappy students sat outside soaking up the sun for half an hour.

FVHS recognized a finalist for Distinguished School Award 3/14/07
The California Department of Education named FVHS a finalist for the Distinguished School Award, as part of the California School Recognition Program.

A longer school day? 3/12/07
It's five minutes until school ends, and the all-too-familiar classroom scene repeats itself once again...

Drumline takes first place 3/12/07
Last Saturday, the FVHS drumline team competed at the Southern California Percussion Alliance Show at Westview High School, San Diego, where they took first place.

FBLA takes home 9 awards 3/2/07
Ten Barons participate in the Southern Section FBLA Leadership Conference, taking on 450 other students to win nine awards.

Students go to Physics Fun Day 3/1/07
As part of their curriculum, physics students went to Knott's Berry Farm for Physics Fun Day.

Yee-haw from the Gals 3/1/07
Ladies, it's that time of year again! The Sadies Hawkins Dance will take place this weekend, on Saturday, March 3rd.

Historic Changes for OC Water 2/26/07
Orange County is outgrowing old technology and is building a new, $487 million water plant capable of safely processing sewer water to open this fall.

"Gavels, and then some" 2/26/07
Senior Sam Flora wins the second gavel award awarded to an FVHS delegate, and Charlie Castillo claims his second outstanding delegate award.

FHA sweeps regional competition 2/26/07 | Gallery
The FVHS Future Homemakers of America competed in regional academic and career-related events; they achieved their best-ever record.

Students invited to participate in FV's 50th Anniversary Essay Contest 2/23/07
The city of Fountain Valley encourages students to participate in its 50th Anniversary Essay Contest.

FAFSA: Frustrating Application for Federal Student Aid 2/23/07
By March 1st , most high school seniors will have become experts to the application process. There remains, however, one main source of anxiety: the cost of tuition.

Malcolm X, "By any means necessary" 2/22/07
He was a great figure in the Black civil rights movement, ranking in importance amongst names like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., but most students and even some teachers know almost nothing about this important individual.

February Seniors of the Month: Lan Mai and Josh Kim 2/22/07
February's Seniors of the Month, Lan Mai and Josh Kim, dish to the Wired Baron about their thoughts on school, their passions, and life goals.

Friday Night Live preps for Talent Show 2/22/07
FNL begins to audition acts for FVHS' third annual talent show, which will benefit the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Field Trip to Getty Center cancelled due to lack of communication 2/21/07
Over 40 AP art history students arrived at school on Wednesday morning, expecting the buses that would take them to the Getty Center for a long-awaited field trip.

Administration advises seniors to keep panoramic picture "appropriate" 2/13/07
Every year's senior class gets to enjoy special privileges - grad night, senior luau, and senior breakfast, to name a few - that commemorate both the students and their four years of accomplishments.

Birthday Bash, FV Style 2/13/07
Citizens from all over the city come out to celebrate Fountain Valley's 50th anniversary with a 5k run/walk in Mile Square Park.

Drumline wins second place award at regional competition 2/13/07
The FVHS Drumline won second place at the Los Osos Drumline Competition, beating out eight other Southern California schools in the Open Class category.

January Seniors of the Month: Kambria Nguyen and Sylvia Do 2/9/07
Nguyen and Do are everything but your stereotypical nerds; there's much more to these students than just good grades. They chipped in with their thoughts on high school, extracurricular activities, and inspirations with the Wired Baron.

A rose, and a song 2/8/07
For as long as students can remember, the popular Valentine Gram has been part FVHS tradition. These well-loved grams don't come just come with a rose, but front row seats to a special performance by the FVHS choir, as well.

Volunteering before daybreak 2/8/07
Nearly 100 students wake up at 4:00 in the morning to volunteer at the Pacific Shoreline Marathon.

Construction 60 to 65 percent done, Herzfeld says 2/5/07
Construction is moving slowly but surely along. Just a few weeks ago the boys' locker room finally entered usable condition, and locks are already hanging from hundreds of shiny, new lockers.

Academic Decathlon: competitions and exams at the extreme 2/5/07
After months of relentless studying, members of the Academic Decathlon team reflect on their performance.

Frank M. Doyle Scholarship open to graduating seniors 2/4/07
The Frank M. Doyle Foundation is offering scholarships to students in the Huntington Beach Unified School District.

Cheer and Song compete at US Spirit Leader and USA Competitions 2/2/07
FVHS Cheer and Song faced off against other schools at the US Spirit Leaders and United Spirit Association (USA) Competitions with high hopes of qualifying for nationals and staking spots on the podium.

The Reformation 1/20/07
Overcrowded classrooms filled with apathetic, uninterested students staffed by underpaid and often under-qualified teachers

Former head football coach passes away 1/18/07
This Tuesday , FVHS' first head football coach, Bruce Pickford, passed away at Hoag Hospital. He was 77.

FVHS vs. OC Water District 1/5/07
The Orange County Water District is currently installing a larger pipeline on Ellis Avenue, from just east of Mount Stewart Circle to just west of Bushard Street.

Mock Trial: FVHS' very own "Law and Order" 12/20/06
FVHS Mock Trial team loses to Esperanza in their last competition of the year, but remains confident for the future.

Red Cross gets into the holiday spirit 12/19/06
On Saturday, the gates of Santa Ana Zoo were flooded with 3,000 families eager to participate in the Holiday Project for Orange County.

AHA hosts first Hoops for Heart tournament of the year 12/19/06
The FVHS American Heart Association club hosted its first Hoops for Heart tournament, raising more than $350 for the fight against heart disease.

Tim Martino: Blast from the Past 11/27/06
It was an age of the most infamous trends in history - big hair styles full of hairspray, shaggy mullets, leg warmers, fingerless gloves, and punk style.

October's Overachievers: Seniors Silva Arjian and Victor Hoang 11/16/06
Just when you think high school can't get any more competitive, you can always count on a few individuals to raise the bar and show the school what excellence is all about.

September Seniors of the Month: Eric Shieh and Richard Kuo 11/16/06
Though these Seniors of the Month are both overachievers, they're still ordinary high school students like you and me. These interviews are proof of that.

Yuosra Madkour: High School and Beyond 11/15/06
Few students appreciate their years in high school or realize how much impact those same four years can have on the rest of their lives.

Election Day: boring textbook lessons come to life 11/14/06
On mid-term Election Day, I volunteered to work at the polls and fulfill my civic responsibility as a productive member of society.

The Getty Villa 11/14/06
Students in AP Art History visit the recently reopened Getty Villa to supplement their studies.

Royal Regiment takes 2nd at Las Vegas 11/14/06
FVHS' award-winning marching band delivered a superb performance in the pre-runs and advanced into finals with twelve other finalists.

Do I Hear Math Skills? 11/14/06
Barons participate in the first California Math League competition of the year.

Fire in the Hole! 10/31/06
Students from Mr. Jeff Larson and Mr. Mike Collins' physics classes participated in their annual pumpkin catapult competition.

Mole Day 2006 10/24/06
Student and teachers alike gather early in the morning to celebrate "the mole."

Baron blood drive saves lives 10/23/06
The Red Cross club hosted the first of its three annual blood drives, collecting more pints of blood than expected.

Students walk for CHOC 10/18/06
Key Club and KIWIN'S members walk for the Children's Hospital of Orange County at Disneyland.

Students celebrate Ramadan 10/17/06
Ramadan. You may have heard this word a few times in your life, but have you ever wondered what it's all about?

Plain White T's 10/9/06
The pen meets the fabric once again as the hour hand begins its third lap around the clock. But she doesn't notice.

Paddle Out for Brandon Gallery 10/9/06
A paddle-out ceremony at Bolsa Chica State Beach yesterday commemorated the life of Brandon Zergman '08, who passed away last Saturday night.

New Clubs 2006 10/5/06
Clubs are a great way to make new friends, learn new things, get involved on campus, and fill your high school years with memories that will last a lifetime.

Sheila Heslin: the return to FVHS 10/5/06
Although FVHS is an excellent school, the majority of its graduates seldom return. But a few do show back up on campus from time to time, among them Señorita Sheila Heslin, the FVHS foreign language department's newest member.

Club Rush 9/28/06
Last week's annual Club Rush allowed more than 40 clubs to present their best to the student body in hopes of recruiting new members.

Homecoming! 9/27/06
No matter whether you're going to homecoming with your prince-charming, dream girl, one true-love, or best friend, you will be attending one of the most amazing dances of the year.

Anti-abortion activists anger FVHS community 9/23/06
An enlarged poster of a blood-streaked, mutilated baby set up by a small band of anti-abortion activists drew ire from FVHS students and faculty and sparked a discussion on abortion and free-speech. Disclaimer: This article includes graphic images of babies.

Fascist heir seeks justice 9/14/06
Italy will have to face its dark fascist past once again as it is investigated and possibly exhumed at the request of Benito Mussolini's grandson, Guido Mussolini.

FVHS sets new API score record 9/14/06
FVHS surpassed last year's Academic Performance Index (API) score of 802 with a new record of 822.

Space Shuttle Atlantis Takes Off 9/14/06
At 11:15 ET Saturday, Atlantis lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Finally on its fifth attempt to take off the space shuttle Atlantis has gone into orbit.

AHA volunteers help out at Heart Walk 9/12/06
American Heart Association club members volunteer at the annual Heart Walk and help raise money for the fight against heart disease.

9/11 Freedom Tower: The Superman of Buildings Everywhere 9/11/06
Five years ago on September 11th , 2001, hijacked jetliners hit the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon outside Washington, and a field in Pennsylvania.

New teachers arrive at FVHS 8/27/06
In addition to a new class of freshman, Barons will have lots of new faces coming into the 2006-2007 school year. Please welcome FVHS' new teachers and staff members.

Cyprus, division and dissension in the Mediterranean 8/28/06
The island nation of Cyprus has been ethnically and territorially partitioned since 1974. This came as a result of political conflict between the countries long-feuding Greek and Turkish populations.

Coach Ray Bray remembered 6/17/06
Coach Ray Bray, 62, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2006, from multiple systems disorder. An inspiration and mentor to many, Bray coached water polo and taught Physical Education and Life Science. He retired three years ago.

Exclusive Online Summer Issue
The Wired Baron brings you the latest news on changes in the upcoming school year, students' summer plans, a preview of sizzling blockbusters, and a list of hints on what not to do. Content is exclusive to online readers.

Fountain Valley Key Club recognized at Convention 5/5/06
Over 3,000 Key Club members congregated at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center the weekend of April 21st for the 60th Annual California-Nevada-Hawaii District Convention.

AP Tests: preparing for initiation 4/29/06
Most juniors and seniors have been preparing all year long to get college credits for classes ranging from biology to U.S. history.

ASB Election results 4/27/06
Congratulations to the 7 people who have made it to ASB Executive Council. In the ensuing weeks, they will be choosing from among themselves the ASB President, Vice President, Parliamentarian, School Board Representative, and Activity Chairs.

Honk for Peace 3/21/06
Students rally in front of FVHS protesting for peace on the third anniversary of the War in Iraq.

Barons working at Target 3/12/06
Ten FVHS students and 30 from other schools in the HBUHS District are working at the recently reopened Target on Adams and Brookhurst.

FV student goes international 3/5/06
Seventeen-year-old senior Donna Vuu is hardly your average teenager. As one of fourteen international trustees of the largest high school community service organization, she juggles schoolwork, a plethora of extracurricular activities, and family - all in a day's work.

Honk for Peace 3/21/06
Students rally in front of FVHS protesting for peace on the third anniversary of the War in Iraq.

Barons working at Target
3/12/06
Ten FVHS students and 30 from other schools in the HBUHS District are working at the recently reopened Target on Adams and Brookhurst.

Got talent? 3/14/06
Friday Night Live's 2nd Annual Talent Show, back by popular demand, will be raising money for MADD.

Sadie's, back with a sweet twist 3/13/06
Gals, it's your turn to ask the guys out. The Sadie Hawkins Dance, themed "Charlie and Chocolate Factory," is this Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. at the gym.

Introducing Teleparent 3/2/06
FVHS is trying out Teleparent, an automated phone system that informs parents about their children's progress in school.

Operation Tobacco Sting 2/24/06
California state law prohibits the sale of tobacco to minors and bars minors from purchasing tobacco. Volunteers from FVHS KIWIN'S joined with minors from four other KIWIN'S clubs to see how many stores actually adhere to the law and the mandatory stickers on their windows that declare their policy of checking IDS and refusing to sell to minors.

PTSA donates benches to FVHS 2/23/06
PTSA donates mesh, navy-blue lunch tables for the FVHS campus. Two more were ordered last week and will be ariving shortly.

A smashing tournament 2/22/06
Videogame aficionado Anthony Luong claims the first place prize on Wednesday, February 22nd by using the "boy wonder" character Ness to defeat the three remaining contestants.

A pint for a life 2/6/06
The American Red Cross collects 55 pints of blood, a successful amount considering relatively little advertising.

Construction Update 2/1/06
A wooden frame has been constructed for the twelve history classrooms in the 400 area. The 400 buildings are expected to be completed early summer; teachers will move in this August.

FVHS locked down after bomb threat at Valley Vista High School 1/31/06
FVHS locked down on Friday, after Valley Vista High School received a telephone bomb threat. Since Valley Vista is adjacent to FVHS on the north side of campus, near the bungalows, the Fountain Valley Police Department required that FVHS follow lockdown protocol, which calls upon all classrooms to be locked, students away from doors, and a calm environment.

Police probing links in assaults 12/22/05
Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach police have been working together to look into any connections to three sexual assaults in the past two months.

Campus shocked by recent drug abuse 12/20/05
Three students are caught for overdosing on a cough suppressant; one hospitalized for critical condition, another arrested for illegal distribution of prescription drugs.

Rotary speech contest open to Barons 12/20/05
ASB urges Barons to participate in the 2005-2006 Rotary International Speech Contest, themed "Service Above Self." The contest is open to all high school students.

Vocal Music Program presents holiday concert 12/19/05
The Vocal Music Program will be having its holiday concert, "'Tis the Season" Tuesday, December 20th at 7:30 at the Calvary Church in Santa Ana.

Jetlagged: A Baron in Serbia 12/4/05
My dad, bro and I were packing our things for another long trip to Serbia. My family loves to travel...all the time.

Student's car totaled in car accident 12/4/05
A car crash involving two cars occurred Thursday morning cars on Slater and Bushard by Valley Vista High School and the Cortebella apartments.

FVHS boasts high AP pass rate 11/17/05
FVHS students score impressively on the May AP test, receiving the highest passing rates in the HBUHSD in many subjects.

Students attend "Mix It Up" 11/16/05
The Baron Bridge Builders hosted their first "Mix It Up" lunch on November 16th; students were invited to the school cafeteria to meet new people and to improve their communication skills.

Students frustrated with parking lot traffic 11/16/05
When Fountain Valley High School first opened forty years ago on September 12, 1966 , it didn't have a bitter rivalry between Edison High School, nor did it have portables on the basketball courts painted Edison green. Neither its newspaper or yearbook had a name, and the gym wasn't completed. What did it have? It had the Barons - the mighty, mighty spirit of the Barons.

AP Scores Released 11/14/05
FVHS students score impressively on the May AP test, receiving the highest passing rates in the HBUHSD in many subjects.

Launch away 11/1/05
On Monday, October 31st, Mr. Larson and Mr. Collins hosted their annual catapult celebration. An extra credit assignment for physics classes, the project required students to build catapults that could successfully launch a small pumpkin ten meters over a two-meter high wall.

The story behind unplugging the Chargers 10/30/05
"Beat Edison!" "Unplug the Chargers!" "Our girls run faster than yours!" Ah, yes. It's that time of year again - that wonderful, glorious time of the year, Edison Week. No, no, it's not about Edison per se - it's about beating them and keeping the bell. This is what high school sports is all about. Hardcore high school rivalry. Ah, love.

A movement with Soul 10/24/05
A majority of the clubs on the FVHS campus are all about community service, academics, or health, but Club Soul is in a category of its own. A hip-hop club founded last year by students Terrence Lioe, junior, and Daeniel Francisco, sophomore, Club Soul has a simple motto: come with an open mind and have no fear of free expression.

FVHS: the first years 10/21/05
When Fountain Valley High School first opened forty years ago on September 12, 1966 , it didn't have a bitter rivalry between Edison High School, nor did it have portables on the basketball courts painted Edison green. Neither its newspaper or yearbook had a name, and the gym wasn't completed. What did it have? It had the Barons - the mighty, mighty spirit of the Barons.

100's building renovation behind schedule 10/31/05
For the past few months, students have been wondering what has really been going on in the 100's buildings. Currently, not much. But for the past few months, construction workers have been reinforcing walls and floors so that the building complies with earthquake regulations.

PTA Reflections contest results released 10/31/05
Students express their creativity through literature, visual arts, photography, and music in the annual Reflections contest. The entries to the 2005 Reflections contest of the arts were judged at the school level on Tuesday by members of the PTSA.

Got mole? 10/23/05
At 6:02 a.m., chemistry classrooms were already abuzz with activity as students and teachers alike celebrated the annual "Mole Day."

Put your best foot forward 10/13/05
This summer, many students were caught up in a plethora of activities from surfing to community service. However, a group of 19 Barons attended a camp called Leadership Development Center (LDC), themed "Best Foot Forward," which motivated participants to keep a positive mindset.